A transmitter is configured to transmit activation signals based on transmission schemes in which one of the schemes is an appropriate scheme such that the appliance activates upon receiving an activation signal that is based on the appropriate scheme and has a code associated with the appliance. The transmitter is configured to receive a code represented by a sequence of bits and to transmit a sequence of different activation signals including different sets of first and second activation signals until user input indicating activation of the appliance is received by the transmitter. Each set of activation signals is based on a respective scheme, each first activation signal includes the sequence of bits and each second activation signal includes a bitwise reversal of the sequence of bits.
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1. A system comprising:
a transmitter configured to transmit activation signals based on any of a plurality of transmission schemes, wherein one of the transmission schemes is an appropriate transmission scheme such that an appliance activates upon receiving an activation signal that is based on the one of the transmission schemes and has a code associated with the appliance;
wherein the transmitter is further configured to receive a code represented by a sequence of bits;
wherein the transmitter is further configured to transmit a sequence of different activation signals including different sets of first and second activation signals until user input indicating activation of the appliance is received by the transmitter, wherein each set of activation signals is based on a respective one of the transmission schemes, each first activation signal includes the sequence of bits representing the received code and each second activation signal includes a bitwise reversal of the sequence of bits representing the received code, and the bitwise reversed sequence is such that the first bit in the sequence of bits representing the received code is the last bit in the bitwise reversed sequence and the last bit in the sequence of bits representing the received code is the first bit in the bitwise reversed sequence.
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This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 12/372,351, filed Feb. 17, 2009, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,966,007; which is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 11/605,766, filed Nov. 29, 2006, now abandoned; which is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 11/369,237, filed Mar. 7, 2006, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,447,498; which is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 10/662,160, filed Sep. 11, 2003, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,050,794; which is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 10/630,390, filed Jul. 30, 2003, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,039,397; the disclosures of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to wireless remote control of appliances such as, for example, garage door openers.
2. Background Art
Home appliances, such as garage door openers, security gates, home alarms, lighting, and the like, may conveniently be operated from a remote control. Typically, the remote control is purchased together with the appliance. The remote control transmits a radio frequency activation signal which is recognized by a receiver associated with the appliance. Aftermarket remote controls are gaining in popularity as such devices can offer functionality different from the original equipment's remote control. Such functionality includes decreased size, multiple appliance interoperability, increased performance, and the like. Aftermarket controllers are also purchased to replace lost or damaged controllers or to simply provide another remote control for accessing the appliance.
An example application for aftermarket remote controls are remote garage door openers integrated into an automotive vehicle. These integrated remote controls provide customer convenience, appliance interoperability, increased safety, and enhanced vehicle value. Present in-vehicle integrated remote controls provide a “universal” or programmable garage door opener which learns characteristics of an activation signal received from an existing transmitter then, when prompted by a user, generates a single activation signal having the same characteristics. One problem with such devices is the difficulty experienced by users in programming these devices. This is particularly true for rolling code receivers where the user must program both the in-vehicle remote control and the appliance receiver.
What is needed is a universal remote control that is easier to program. This remote control should be integrateable into an automotive vehicle using simple electronic circuits.
The present invention provides a universal remote control that interacts with the user to assist in training to a particular remotely controlled appliance.
A system having a transmitter is provided. The transmitter is configured to transmit activation signals based on any of a plurality of transmission schemes. One of the transmission schemes is an appropriate transmission scheme such that an appliance activates upon receiving an activation signal that is based on the one of the transmission schemes and has a code associated with the appliance. The transmitter is further configured to receive a code represented by a sequence of bits. The transmitter is further configured to transmit a sequence of different activation signals including different sets of first and second activation signals until user input indicating activation of the appliance is received by the transmitter. Each set of activation signals is based on a respective one of the transmission schemes. Each first activation signal includes the sequence of bits representing the received code and each second activation signal includes a bitwise reversal of the sequence of bits representing the received code. The bitwise reversed sequence is such that the first bit in the sequence of bits representing the received code is the last bit in the bitwise reversed sequence and the last bit in the sequence of bits representing the received code is the first bit in the bitwise reversed sequence.
The above features, and other features and advantages of the present invention are readily apparent from the following detailed descriptions thereof when taken in connection with the accompanying drawings.
Referring to
Appliance control system 20 includes garage 22 having a garage door, not shown. Garage door opener (GDO) receiver 24 receives radio frequency control signals 26 for controlling a garage door opener. Activation signals have a transmission scheme which may be represented as a set of receiver characteristics. One or more existing transmitters (ET) 28 generate radio frequency activation signals 26 exhibiting the receiver characteristics in response to a user depressing an activation button.
A user of appliance control system 20 may wish to add a new transmitter to system 20. For example, a vehicle-based transmitter (VBT) including programmable control 30 may be installed in vehicle 32, which may be parked in garage 22. Vehicle-based transmitter 30 generates a sequence of activation signals 34 which includes an activation signal having characteristics appropriate to activate activating garage door opener receiver 24. In the embodiment shown, programmable control 30 is mounted in vehicle 32. However, as will be recognized by one of ordinary skill in the art, the present invention applies to universal remote controls that may also be hand-held, wall mounted, included in a key fob, and the like.
Referring now to
Several types of codes 66 are possible. One type of code is a fixed code, wherein each transmission from a given remote control transmitter contains the same code 66. In contrast, variable code schemes change the bit pattern of code 66 with each activation. The most common variable code scheme, known as rolling code, generates code 66 by encrypting a synchronization (sync) counter value. After each activation, the counter is incremented. The encryption technique is such that a sequence of encrypted counter values appears to be random numbers.
Data word 60 is converted to a baseband stream, shown generally by 70, which is an analog signal typically transitioning between a high voltage level and a low voltage level. Multilevel transmissions are also possible. Various baseband encoding or modulation schemes are known, including polar signaling, on-off signaling, bipolar signaling, duobinary signaling, Manchester signaling, and the like. Baseband stream 70 has a baseband power spectral density, shown generally by 72, centered around a frequency of zero.
Baseband stream 70 is converted to a radio frequency signal through a modulation process shown generally by 80. Baseband stream 70 is used to modulate one or more characteristics of carrier 82 to produce a broadband signal, shown generally by 84. Modulation process 80, mathematically illustrated by multiplication in
Referring now to
A rolling code receiver is trained to a compatible transmitter prior to normal operation. The receiver is placed into a learn mode. Upon reception of an activation signal, the receiver extracts transmitter identifier 62. The receiver then uses key generation algorithm 102 with manufacturing key 104 and received transmitter identifier 62 to generate crypt key 100 identical to the crypt key used by the transmitter. Newly generated crypt key 100 is used by decrypt algorithm 112 to decrypt rolling code 110, producing counter 114 equal to counter 106. The receiver then saves counter 114 and crypt key 100 associated with transmitter identifier 62. As is known in the encryption art, encrypt algorithm 108 and decrypt algorithm 112 may be the same algorithm.
In normal operation, when the receiver receives an activation signal, the receiver first extracts transmitter identifier 62 and compares transmitter identifier 62 with all learned transmitter identifiers. If no match is found, the receiver rejects the activation signal. If a match is found, the receiver retrieves crypt key 100 associated with received transmitter identifier 62 and decrypts rolling code 110 from the received activation signal to produce counter 114. If received counter 106 matches counter 114 associated with transmitter identifier 62, activation proceeds. Received counter 106 may also exceed stored counter 114 by a preset amount for successful activation.
Another rolling code scheme generates crypt key 100 based on manufacturing key 104 and a “seed” or random number. An existing transmitter sends this seed to an appliance receiver when the receiver is placed in learn mode. The transmitter typically has a special mode for transmitting the seed that is entered, for example, by pushing a particular combination of buttons. The receiver uses the seed to generate crypt key 100. As will be recognized by one of ordinary skill in the art, the present invention applies to the use of a seed for generating a crypt key as well as to any other variable code scheme.
Referring now to
In various embodiments of the present invention, a user is asked to read the fixed code value from existing transmitter 28 or appliance receiver 24 and enter this fixed code value into programmable control 30. A difficulty experienced by users asked to read such values is in determining from which end to start. Another difficulty is in determining which setting represents a binary “1” and which setting represents a binary “0.” For example, the pattern represented in
Referring now to
Control logic 130 receives user input 148 providing fixed code programming information and activation inputs. User input 148 may be implemented with one or more switches directly connected to control logic 130. Alternatively, user input 148 may be provided through remote input devices connected to control logic 130 via a serial bus. Control logic 130 generates one or more user outputs 150. User outputs 150 may include indicator lamps directly connected to control logic 130 and/or remote display devices connected to control logic 130 through a serial bus.
Referring now to
User interface 160 can include a plurality of DIP switches, one of which is indicated by 170, for implementing programming input 172. DIP switches 170 are set to match the fixed code value from fixed code appliance receiver 24 or associated existing transmitter 28. Microcontroller 162 reads DIP switches 170 using parallel bus 174. Alternatively, programming input 172 may be implemented using pushbutton switches 166 as will be described in greater detail below.
Microcontroller 162 generates control signals determining characteristics of transmitted activation signals. Frequency control signal 142 is delivered from an analog output (AO) on microcontroller 162. For example, if variable frequency oscillator 134 is implemented using a voltage controlled oscillator, varying the voltage on frequency control signal 142 will control the carrier frequency of the activation signal. Frequency control signal 142 may also be one or more digital outputs used to select between fixed frequency sources. Modulation control signal 144 is provided by a digital output on microcontroller 162. The fixed or rolling code data word is put out on modulation control 144 in conformance with the baseband modulation and bit rate characteristics of the activation scheme being implemented. Microcontroller 162 generates gain control signal 146 as an analog output for controlling the amplitude of the activation signal generated. As will be recognized by one of ordinary skill in the art, analog output signals may be replaced by digital output signals feeding an external digital-to-analog converter.
Referring now to
Channel table 192 includes a channel entry, one of which is indicated by 198, for each channel supported by programmable control 30. Typically, each channel corresponds to a user activation input. In the example illustrated in
Mode table 194 contains an entry for each mode supported. The four entries illustrated are rolling code entry 204, eight-bit fixed code entry 206, nine-bit fixed code entry 208 and ten-bit fixed code entry 210. Each entry begins with mode indicator 200 for the mode represented, the next value is scheme count 212 indicating the number of schemes to be sequentially transmitted in that mode. Following scheme count 212 is a scheme address 214 for each scheme. The address of the first entry of mode table 194 is held in table start pointer 216 known by control logic 130. When accessing data for a particular mode, control logic 130 searches through mode table 194 for mode indicator 200 matching the desired mode. The use of mode indicators 200 and scheme counts 212 provides a flexible representation for adding new schemes to each mode and adding new modes to mode table 194.
Scheme table 196 holds characteristics and other information necessary for generating each activation signal in sequence of activation signals 34. Scheme table 196 includes a plurality of rolling code entries, one of which is indicated by 220, and a plurality of fixed code entries, one of which is indicated by 222. Each rolling code entry 220 includes transmitter identifier 62, counter 106, crypt key 100, carrier frequency 224, and subroutine address 226. Subroutine address 226 points to code executable by control logic 130 for generating an activation signal. Additional characteristics may be embedded within this code. Each fixed code entry 222 includes carrier frequency 224 and subroutine address 226. Next pointer 228 points to the next open location after scheme table 196. Any new schemes received by control logic 130 may be appended to scheme table 196 using next pointer 228.
Memory map 190 illustrated in
In other alternative embodiments, channel table 192 can hold different values for channel entries 198. For example, each channel entry 198 could include scheme address 214 of a successfully trained scheme as well as fixed code value 202.
Referring now to
Referring to
Referring now to
Interpreting user input depends upon the type of user input supported by programmable control 30. For a simple pushbutton system, a button depression of short duration may be used to signify activation input for the channel assigned to the button. Holding the button for a moderate length of time may be used to signify fixed training input. Holding the button for an extended period of time may be used to indicate reset input. Alternatively, different combinations of buttons may be used to place programmable control 30 into various modes of operation.
Referring now to
Considering again block 272, if the channel mode corresponding to the asserted input is a rolling code mode, a rolling code activation signal loop is entered. Characteristics of the next rolling code scheme are loaded, as in block 286. The synchronization counter associated with the current scheme is incremented, as in block 288. The incremented counter value is also stored. The synchronization counter is encrypted using the crypt key to produce a rolling code value, as in block 290. A data word is formed using the rolling code value, as in block 292. The carrier frequency is set, as in block 294. The data word is modulated and transmitted, as in block 296. A check is made to determine if any schemes remain in the rolling code mode, as in block 298. If so, blocks 286, 288, 290, 292, 294 and 296 are repeated. If no schemes remain, the activation routine is terminated.
Referring now to
Blocks 304 through 314 describe serially inputting a fixed code value using activation inputs 164. A check is made to determine if an end of data input was received, as in block 304. If not, a check is made to see if the input value was a binary “1,” as in block 306. If so, a binary “1” is appended to the fixed code value, as in block 308, and an indication of binary “1” is displayed, as in block 310. This display may be, for example, illuminating indicator lamp 168 associated with activation input 164 used to input the binary “1.” Returning to block 306, if a binary “1” was not input, a binary “0” is appended to the fixed code, as in block 312. A display indicating a binary “0” is provided, as in block 314.
Returning now to block 304, once the fixed code value has been received, a loop is entered to generate a sequence of at least one fixed code activation signal. The next fixed code scheme is loaded, as in block 316. Preferably, this scheme is based on the number of bits in the received fixed code. A data word is formed based on the loaded fixed scheme, as in block 318. This data word includes the received fixed code either as received or as a binary modification of the received fixed code. The carrier frequency is set based on the loaded scheme, as in block 320. The carrier is modulated and the resulting activation signal transmitted, as in block 322. A check is made to determine if any schemes remain, as in block 324. If so, the operations indicated in blocks 316, 318, 320 and 322 are repeated. If not, the user is prompted for input and the input received, as in block 326. One possible indication from the user is a desire to reload the fixed code, as in block 328. If so, the operation returns to block 300. If not, a check is made to determine if user input indicates success, as in block 330. If so, the fixed code is stored associated with a specified activation input and the mode is changed to fixed, as in block 332.
Referring now to
Referring now to
Referring now to
The next rolling code scheme in the sequence is loaded, as in block 370. The sync counter, upon which the rolling code is based, is initialized, as in block 372. The sync counter is encrypted according to the current scheme to generate a rolling code value, as in block 374. A data word is formed including the generated rolling code value, as in block 376. The carrier is set, as in block 378. The data word is used to modulate the carrier according to the current scheme, as in block 380. The resulting activation signal is then transmitted.
The guess-and-test approach requires interaction with the user. In one embodiment, the test pauses until either a positive input or a negative input is received from the user, as in block 382. In another embodiment, the test pauses for a preset amount of time. If no user input is received within this time, the system assumes the current test has failed. A check for success is made, as in block 384. If the user indicates activation, information indicating the one or more successful schemes is saved, as in block 386. This information may be associated with a particular user activation input. The user may assign a particular user activation input as part of block 382 or may be prompted to designate an activation input as part of block 386.
Returning to block 384, if the user did not indicate successful activation, a check is made to determine if any schemes remain, as in block 390. If not, a failure indication is provided to the user, as in block 392. This indication may consist of a pattern of flashing indicator lamps, an audio signal, a pattern on a video display, or the like. If any schemes remain, the test loop is repeated.
The training routine illustrated in
Referring now to
Returning to block 404, once the fixed code value is received a guess-and-test loop is entered. A display may be provided to the user indicating that the test is in progress, as in block 416. Information describing the next fixed code scheme is loaded, as in block 418. A data word is formed containing the fixed code, as in block 420. The carrier frequency is set, as in block 422. The data word is used to modulate the carrier, producing an activation signal, which is then transmitted, as in block 424. User input regarding the success of the test is received, as in block 426. Once again, the system may pause for a preset amount of time and, if no input is received, assume that the test was not successful. Alternatively, the system may wait for user input specifically indicating success or failure. A check is made to determine whether or not the test was successful, as in block 428. If so, information specifying the one or more successful schemes and the fixed code value are saved. This information may be associated with a particular activation input specified by the user. In addition, the mode is changed to fixed mode for the selected activation input. If success was not indicated, a check is made to determine if any schemes remain, as in block 432. If not, failure is indicated to the user, as in block 434. If any schemes remain, the test loop is repeated.
The guess-and-test scheme illustrated in
Referring now to
Returning to block 442, if the mode is not rolling, the stored fixed code value is retrieved, as in block 456. A data word is formed including the retrieved fixed code, as in block 458. The carrier frequency is set, as in block 460. The data word is used to modulate the carrier, producing an activation signal which is then transmitted, as in block 462.
Various embodiments for programming to fixed and rolling code appliances and for responding to activation input for fixed and rolling code appliances have been provided. As will be recognized by one of ordinary skill in the art, these methods may be combined in any manner. For example, programmable control 30 may implement a system which transmits every rolling code activation signal upon activation of a rolling code channel and uses guess-and-test training for programming a fixed code channel. As another example, programmable control 30 may be configured for guess-and-test training using every possible rolling code scheme but, when training for fixed code, generates and transmits activation signals based on only those fixed code schemes known to be used with a fixed code value having a number of bits equal to the number of bits of the fixed code value entered by the user.
Referring now to
Console 472 includes numeric keypad 478 associated with an in-vehicle telephone. For fixed code training, numeric keypad 478 can be used to enter the fixed code value. Programmable control 30 may also recognize one or a sequence of key depressions on keypad 478 as an activation input.
Console 472 may include speaker 480 and microphone 482 associated with an in-vehicle telephone, voice activated control system, entertainment system, audible warning system, and the like. Microphone 482 may be used to provide activation and/or programming inputs. Speaker 480 can provide audio feedback during programming and/or activation modes. In addition, microphone 482 and speaker 480 may be used to provide programming instructions, interactive help, and the like.
Referring now to
Electronics system 490 includes programmable control 30. Programmable control 30 includes at least control logic 130 and transmitter (TRANS) 132. Control logic 130 accesses memory 496, which holds a plurality of activation schemes. Each scheme describes activation control signals used by control logic 130 to transmit activation signals by transmitter 132. User interface 160 interfaces control logic 130 with user activation inputs and outputs, not shown.
User interface 160 may be directly connected to control logic 130 or may be connected through bus 492. This latter option allows control logic 130 and transmitter 132 to be located anywhere within vehicle 32.
Electronics system 490 may include wireless telephone 498 interfaced to bus 492. Telephone 498 can receive input from keypad 478 and from microphone 482 through microphone input 500. Telephone 498 provides audio output to speaker 480 through speaker driver 502. Telephone 498 may be used to contact a human or automated help system and may also be used as a data port to download scheme and software updates into memory 496. Keypad 478 may be directly interfaced to bus 492 allowing keypad 478 to provide user input to control logic 130. Microphone 482 provides voice input through microphone input 500 to speech recognizer 504. Speech recognizer 504 is interfaced to bus 492 allowing microphone 482 to provide input for control logic 130. Sound generator 506 supplies signals for audible reproduction to speaker 480 through speaker driver 502. Sound generator 506 may be capable of supplying tone-based signals and/or artificial speech signals. Sound generator 506 is interfaced to bus 492 allowing control logic 130 to send audible signals to a user.
Display controller 508 generates signals controlling display 474 and accepts display control input 476. Display controller 508 is interfaced to bus 492 allowing control logic 130 to initiate graphical output on display 474 and receive user input from controls 476.
Radio 510 is interfaced to bus 492 allowing control logic 130 to initiate display through radio 510 and receive input from controls on radio 510. For example, volume and tuning controls on radio 510 may be used to enter a fixed code value. Rotating the volume knob may sequentially cycle through the most significant bits of the code and rotating the tuning knob may sequentially cycle through the least significant bits of the code. Pushing a radio control can then send the fixed code to control logic 130.
Wireless transceiver 512 is interfaced to bus 492 through bus interface 494. Wireless transceiver 512 communicates with wireless communication devices, represented by 514 and 516, such as portable telephones, personal digital assistants, laptop computers, and the like, through infrared or short range radio frequency signals. Various standards exist for such communications including IEEE 802.11, Bluetooth, IrDA, and the like. Transceiver 512 is interfaced to bus 492, permitting wireless devices 514, 516 to provide input to and receive output from control logic 130. Wireless devices 514, 516 may also be used as a data port to upload code and scheme data into memory 496 and/or to exchange data with programmable control 30 for assisting in programming control 30.
Data port 518 implements a data connection interfaced to bus 492 through bus interface 494. Data port 518 provides a plug or other interface for exchanging digital information. One or more standards may be supported, such as IEEE 1394, RS-232, SCSI, USB, PCMCIA, and the like. Proprietary information exchange or vehicle diagnostic ports may also be supported. Data port 518 may be used to upload code and scheme data into memory 496 and/or exchange data with programmable control 30 for assisting in programming control 30.
Referring now to
In the example shown, control logic 130 and transmitter 132 are supported by a first bus interface 494. Activation inputs 164 provide inputs to, and indicators 168 are driven by, microcontroller 534 which is supported by a second bus interface 494. Programming input switches 172 are connected in parallel to microcontroller 536 which is supported by a third bus interface 494. Serial bus 492 and separate interfaces 494 permit various components of programmable control 30 to be placed in different locations within vehicle 32. One advantage of separate location is that transmitter 132 need not be placed near user controls 164, 168, 172. Instead, transmitter 132 may be placed at a location optimizing radio frequency transmission from vehicle 32. Another advantage of separately locating components of programmable control 30 is to facilitate the design of vehicle interior 470. For example, activation inputs 164 and indicator lamps 168 may be located for easy user access such as in an overhead console, a visor, a headliner, and the like. Programming input controls 172, which would be infrequently used, may be placed in a more hidden location such as inside of a glove box, trunk, storage compartment, and the like. Yet another advantage of a bus-based programmable control 30 is the ability to interface control logic 130 with a wide variety of vehicle controls and displays.
While embodiments of the present invention have been illustrated and described, it is not intended that these embodiments illustrate and describe all possible forms of the present invention. Rather, the words used in the specification are words of description rather than limitation, and it is understood that various changes may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.
Harwood, Jody K., Rudnick, Kenan R., Chuey, Mark D.
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